Rash Guard Skin Rash Causes and Prevention Tips

Understanding Rash Guards and Potential Skin Irritations

Rash guards have become a popular piece of athletic gear for water sports and outdoor activities. Often made of spandex and nylon materials, rash guards are designed to protect the skin from abrasions, rashes, and sun exposure. However, some people may experience skin irritations and rashes from wearing rash guards.

What is a Rash Guard?

A rash guard is a lightweight, breathable shirt made to be worn tightly against the skin. The name "rash guard" comes from the shirt's purpose to guard against rashes caused by abrasion from sport activities or sun exposure. Rash guards are commonly worn for:

• Surfing
• Waterskiing
• Wakeboarding
• Snorkeling
• Swimming
• Other water sports

The tight fit creates a layer between the skin and surfboards, waterskis, wakeboards, coral reefs, etc. to prevent rashes. The material also provides protection from UV rays, decreasing the risk of sunburn.

Rash Guard Fabric and Design

Most rash guards are made of spandex blends, such as nylon or polyester. These fabrics stretch and move with the body, while still maintaining their close protective fit.

Common features of rash guard design include:

• Tight fit against the skin
• Stretchability for range of motion
• Quick-drying fabric
• Flatlock stitching to prevent chafing
• UV protection
• Rash-resistant fabric
• Athletic cut for various sports

What Causes a Rash from Wearing a Rash Guard?

While rash guards are designed to protect skin, some materials or fits may still lead to skin irritation for sensitive individuals. Potential causes of rashes from rash guards include:

Chafing

The tight, clingy fit of rash guard fabrics rubbing repeatedly against the skin can cause chafing rashes, especially during athletic activity involving a lot of movement. Areas most prone to chafing include the underarms, neck, sides, and groin.

Heat Rash

Strenuous water sports in the hot sun cause sweating. Rash guard material may trap heat and sweat against the skin, leading to an itchy heat rash.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Some people may be allergic or sensitive to common rash guard fabrics like nylon or spandex. Contact with these materials causes an itchy, red skin allergy rash.

Seams and Stitching

For some wearers, seams, stitches, tags, or embroidery inside the rash guard may rub and irritate vulnerable skin areas.

Too Tight Fit

An overly tight rash guard puts excess pressure on the skin, which can obstruct hair follicles and sweat glands. This leads to irritation, inflamed bumps, infection risk, and skin breakdown.

Bacteria

Bacteria and microbes easily grow in the warm, wet environment inside a rash guard during and after aquatic sports. This can transfer to the skin surface and cause folliculitis bacterial infections.

Fungus and Yeast

Like bacteria, yeast and fungus also thrive in the trapped moisture environment beneath rash guards. Sweat, humidity, and lack of ventilation foster fungal growth leading to skin irritations.

Signs of Rash Guard Rashes

People react differently based on skin sensitivity. But common symptoms of rash guard rashes include:

• Redness
• Itching or burning
• Small bumps or pimple-like pustules
• Peeling
• Cracked skin
• Flaking
• Blisters or welts
• Oozing

Rash location depends on irritation cause. Heat and sweat rashes often appear where the rash guard sticks closest to moist skin folds. Chafing rashes develop in areas prone to rubbing. Allergic rashes may appear anywhere the fabric touches skin.

Preventing Rashes from Rash Guards

You can take preventative steps to avoid rashes from wearing rash guards:

Choose Suitable Rash Guard Fabrics

If standard nylon or spandex irritates your skin, try alternative options, including:

• Organic cotton
• Merino wool
• Bamboo rayon
• Modal

These natural materials have antibacterial properties to inhibit infection-causing germs.

Ensure Proper Fit

Avoid overly loose or too tight rash guard fits. The goal is close contact without constricting skin or movement.

Rinse After Each Use

Quickly rinse away chlorine pool water, salt, ocean water, sweat, and microbes trapped against the skin under the rash guard after every use.

Wash After Each Wear

Machine or hand wash rash guards with mild detergent after each wearing to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in the fabric.

Air Dry Thoroughly

Allow rash guards to dry fully before rewearing so no moisture remains trapped in the fabric or against your skin.

Use Protective Cream

Apply petroleum jelly or anti-chafe balms to vulnerable skin areas before donning rash guards to defend against chafing.

Take Breaks

Periodically remove rash guards during long water sport days to allow skin ventilation and drying.

Choose Loose-Fitting Alternatives

For some activities, wear loose water-wicking athletic shirts instead of clingy rash guards to prevent friction and enable airflow.

Treating Rash Guard Rashes

If you develop a rash beneath your rash guard, prompt treatment helps avoid complications and permanent skin damage.

Remove the Rash Guard

At the first sign of an irritation bump or red mark, take off the rash guard to allow the skin to air out and discontinue friction against the rash.

Clean the Affected Area

Rinse the rash with clean water to wash away sweat, salt, chlorine, and microbes. Gently pat dry with a clean towel.

Apply Healing Cream

Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or anti-fungal powder can relieve itching and inflammation while fighting infection.

Keep it Dry

Moisture further inflames and spreads rashes. Allow skin to dry fully before reapplying rash guard.

Bandage Severe Rashes

Cover severe, oozing, or blistered rashes with non-stick gauze and paper tape to protect against infection while healing.

Get Medical Help if Needed

Consult a dermatologist for diagnosis and prescription treatment if over-the-counter methods fail to resolve rash guard rashes.

Choosing the Best Rash Guards to Prevent Skin Irritation

Focus on quality and fit when selecting rash guards to best shield skin. Seek durable flatlock stitching that won't rub and irritate while allowing stretch. Prioritize quick-drying, breathable material blends containing spandex for flexibility alongside natural fibers for ventilation and antimicrobial properties.

Take proper rash guard care and precautions to avoid skin inflammation and enjoy water sports rash-free!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.